NINE GOBLINS by T. Kingfisher was originally self- published as an ebook in October 2013 by Smashwords. It was also previously released by Audible in audio version with a release date of  September 2024.  A delightful little novella, it is now being re-released by Tor as a physical book in January 2026.  Goodreads says it’s the first adult book T. Kingfisher ever published.  T. Kingfisher is a pen name of Ursula Vernon, who writes many amazing standalone fantasy/horror books as well as a number of interconnected series.  As Ursula Vernon, she writes comics and kids’ books.

Kingfisher is an autobuy author for me! Her signature dry wit and irreverent humor have gained her a place in my top 10 authors of all time. NINE GOBLINS is billed as “A Tale of Low Fantasy and High Mischief.”  It’s a humorous fantasy about a squad of goblins led by Sergeant Nessilka.  The goblin squad is accidentally teleported behind enemy lines and now must find their way home through dangerous territory filled with battling elves and trolls, and pesky humans.   NINE GOBLINS is short, pithy, and very silly.  It made me giggle-snort repeatedly.  For example: “Goblins march badly... On a good day, they will stay in step for nearly a minute before somebody gets bored, or trips, or stumbles, or forgets what he's doing and begins skipping. Small knots break off. Officers ride around on their pigs, shouting orders and leaving havoc in their wake.”  The descriptions are delightful, leaving me picturing little goblins running around and causing immeasurable havoc as they fairly unsuccessfully try to exhibit any sort of war competence (or any competence, really).  

Kingfisher excels at worldbuilding, and even in novellas, her mastery shines through.  I highlighted the heck out of this story, with an absurd number of favorite phrases found throughout.  These funnily gross and cheerfully grotesque little soldiers will delight the reader.  I recommend snapping this NINE GOBLINS novella up and savoring Kingfisher’s work repeatedly!